Welcome to Willow class!

Teacher – Mrs Chamberlain (Monday)/ Ms Haynes (Tuesday to Friday)

Teaching Assistant – Mrs Weeks/Mrs Davies

Terms 1 and 2: Invasion (Anglo-Saxons and Vikings)

In the Invasion project, your child will explore three significant periods of British history, focusing on invasions by the Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, and Normans. Throughout this project, they will develop a rich understanding of key events and timelines, acquiring new vocabulary to help them connect dates and historical milestones. We will delve into the motivations behind these invasions and examine their lasting effects on Britain. The children will also explore daily life during these periods, investigating the people, homes, currency, religion, and culture of the time. Year 4 will step into the role of historians, piecing together evidence from prehistoric burial sites, artefacts, and myths. As part of this topic, we’ll visit key historical sites and take part in reenactments that bring the past to life.

Terms 3 and 4: Misty Mountain, Winding River

In the Misty Mountain, Winding River topic, your child will embark on a journey to discover the wonders of rivers and mountain ranges around the world. They will learn about the ecosystems that thrive in these environments and the geological processes that shape the land. Our investigations will include a study of the River Cuckmere, focusing on the three stages of river formation. Children will also explore the water cycle, the concept of habitats, and what animals need to survive. Additionally, they will continue to improve their soil knowledge by examining different soil types and their unique properties. Year 4 will learn about various mountains, both in the UK and globally, while gaining insight into different mountain types. They will also study topography and contour lines, learning how to interpret them in the landscape.

Terms 5 and 6: Ancient Civilisations

In the Ancient Civilisations topic, your child will be introduced to three of the world’s earliest and most influential civilisations: Ancient Sumer, Ancient Egypt, and the Indus Valley civilisation. They will explore the rise, achievements, and eventual decline of each civilisation, learning about how they developed and the innovations they introduced. Students will dive into city life in Ancient Egypt, investigating what it was like to live as a Pharaoh. Year 4 will also examine the work of Howard Carter, exploring the profound impact of his discoveries, including the mysteries surrounding the cursed tombs of Egypt. This topic will offer a captivating glimpse into the ancient world, sparking excitement as Year 4 explores fascinating practices from the past, such as the process of embalming to create mummies, and discover how these early civilisations continue to shape our understanding of history.

Home Learning Expectations

Homework will go out on Friday and will be expected back the following Wednesday. If for any reason your child is struggling to complete it, please speak to us or leave a note in your child’s Reading Record.

Reading

Please read with your child at least 5 times a week and sign the reading record book. These books should be brought into school every day in your child’s book bag. Please ensure that books borrowed from school are returned. Children who are now on the Accelerated Reader Scheme will pick their own library books and complete online quizzes about their home reading. 

Maths

Every week the children will receive a maths homework task on Freckle, the online resource used in previous years or on Times Tables Rock Stars. These online websites are a fun and engaging way for children to develop their Maths skills.

Usernames and passwords will be stuck into your child’s reading record. (If you have any problems regarding passwords and logging on, please let us know – we will do our best to help.)